Southampton Football Club's charitable arm, the Saints Foundation has raised £1m for community projects in the past year.

The foundation was only founded in June 2010 yet it has already increased its annual revenue by 40 per cent to reach the £1m mark, meeting its first major financial target.

Mark Abrahams, head of the Saints Foundation spoke of the charity’s achievements and its future plans.

"The Saints Foundation is unique due to the incredible support it receives from everyone at Southampton FC and its supporters in the community.

"We now have a new target to achieve even more - within three years we are aiming to double our financial targets to enable the charity to help even more people and make a more significant impact in our community," said Abrahams.

The Saints Foundation runs community projects involving over 35,000 people in the local area. Alongside its sporting programmes the charity aims to reach those involved with substance abuse, the homeless and disadvantaged young people living in deprived areas as well as promoting equality for children and adults with disabilities.

The charity raises funds by holding a series of fundraising events, selling memorabilia merchandise and through its 50/50 Matchday lottery. This year the charity has launched its ‘True Saints Challenges’ with a variety of sponsored sporting events and treks taking place in the UK and abroad. Participants are required to raise minimum amounts depending on the challenge.

As well as the football club the foundation has links with organisations and local businesses including Westquay Shopping Centre, Southampton City Council, Comic Relief and the Football Foundation.